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Verdict

Alan King's Black Jacari has been frustrating to follow so far and despite this the easiest of his assignments to get off the mark his lack of winning spirit is a concern so the vote goes to NICE STYLE with Rileyev also in the mix.
The selection makes his bow over obstacles but David Pipe's runner was more than useful on the flat winning four from seven starts. Those came over a mile and above so stamina shouldn't be an issue and he did enough to impress some shrewd connections, who have had two winners from the last two horsse they have sent out over hurdles.
Black Jacari hasn't quite taken to timber since switching from the flat. A number of disappointing runs in what has so far proved some weak looking races is a big negative but he has less to beat here.
Rileyev won a bumper at a regional course in France so has a chance especially for a stable in terrific form. Thumbs Up is another who has some decent flat form to call on for his hurdles bow while Hampton Court is expected to keep improving and connections have high hopes for big handicaps next season but in this contest Nice Style can win in this sphere at the first time of asking.